Abstract The essay discusses the history of the Ku Klux Klan through the three separate movements established since its inception -- the first during the reconstruction era, the second during the 1920's, and the third during the 1940's. The essay then goes on to present recent newspaper headlines about the KKK, including the "newspaper night riding" in Texas and California, the rally in Jasper, Texas, and the sentencing of KKK member James Colvin. The essay concludes with the hope that the KKK will continue to be brought down by the law.
From the Paper "Colonel William Joseph Simmons, the son of one of the officers of the original order, initialized the second movement of the KKK. He pictured his organization as the ultimate fraternal lodge. His task was made easier by the 1915 release of a film by D. W. Griffith called The Birth of a Nation. The film portrayed the original Reconstruction era KKK as valiant protectors of the South's culture. Simmons placed advertisements for his organization next to those for the movie and solicited new members by proclaiming the Klan a "high class order for men of intelligence and character" (McVeigh). At the strongest point of this phase of the KKK, during the early 1920's, membership in the organization reached over three million nationwide (Trelease PG). The main factor keeping the movement strong was fear of the ever-changing social order in America. Large numbers of immigrants were entering the country, communism and other radical movements were stirring, and blacks were moving into northern cities in vast numbers. Jews and Catholics were moving to a higher place in the social and economic order, and labor unions were demanding a bigger share of profits for their members."
Abstract This work traces the origins of slavery and racism in the modern era, and analyzes the debate over which phenomenon gave rise to the other. The paper also explores the unique aspects of African-American enslavement in colonial U.S. and its connection with the modern state of race relations in America. The paper also proposes a unique hypothesis that connects the rise of slavery in Europe and America to Europe's underlying fear of the rising cultures of the East. The essay also contains critiques and descriptions of the scholarship of Dr. Eric Williams, Winthrop Jordan, and others.
From the Paper "This essay concerns the work of West Indian historian and former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Dr. Eric Williams, who proffered the rationale in Capitalism and Slavery, that the philosophical origins of the Atlantic Slave Trade in the Americas was based upon economics, not racism. My purpose of addressing Dr. Williams theory is not to argue that slavery was, above all else, a major economic enterprise. Rather, I am interested in examining the origins of African slavery in Europe in the modern era and the overall European mindset of the early 15th Century, including their attitudes and preconceptions regarding the African continent. While not disputing the hypothesis evident in the title of Dr. William's essay ?Economics, Not Racism, as the Root of Slavery,? I contend that economics alone was not the sole impetus behind the tragic phenomenon of African slavery, and that the occurrence of racism was simultaneous. Furthermore, I am seeking to examine Dr. William's theory in the context of the African-American experience amid early U.S. history. That is, I intend to describe the distinctive nature of slavery in the colonial U.S., being developed under the English's specious pretext of black inferiority. My overall supposition is that the genesis of racist attitudes coincided with the initial Portuguese contact with inhabitants of Old Guinea in 1441, becoming especially prevalent among the English through their early experiences with black Africans. Because these attitudes were formed prior to any English involvement in the trade of African slaves, this position stands at odds with Dr. William's theory that racism was invented for the purpose of justifying the continuation of slavery."
Abstract This paper endeavours to explore the impact of the slave trade on West Africa. It examines how the historical injustices of the slave trade have undeniably affected West Africa detrimentally in the political, economic and social arenas. It details the recent discussions by leaders of nations historically involved in the slave trade as they determine what reparations can be made to the victims of this inhumane practice. It gives an historical overview of the slave trade in general and specifically in West Africa.
From the Paper "Before embarking on the political, economic and social fallout of the slave trade on West Africa, it is important to give a brief description of this blight in history. From the middle of the 15th century, the Portuguese initiated the slave trade. They were followed by the Spaniards and at a lengthier period (1562) by the British. Then in rapid succession by the Dutch (approximately 1620), the French (approximately 1640), the Swedes, Danes and Prussians, before culminating in its most awful activities in the 18th century (Morel, E.D., 1920, 4). Foreigners conducted wholly unprovoked attacks on African villages and kidnapped the young people who were strong enough to work their sugar and coffee plantations as well as for domestic servitude in their homes. The export of Africans to the New World furnished the workforce for the colonial plantations and mines whose yield (gold, silver and, most importantly, sugar, cocoa, cotton, tobacco and coffee) were the principal components of global commerce (M?Bokolo, E., 1998, 2). The horror of the Africans being torn from their homes and their families is matched only by the horror of the number of Africans who perished in the course of transportation on the slave ships
??. the slaves could not turn around, were wedged immovably, in fact, and chained to the deck by the neck and legs?.not infrequently would go mad before dying of suffocation?.in their frenzy some killed others in the hopes of procuring more room to breathe?.men strangled those next to them, and women drove nails into each others? brains.? (Morel, E.D., 1920, 4)."
Tags: slave, trade, West, Africa, Black, political, social, history
Abstract The writer examines the essay titled "Hate Radio" in which Williams expresses her alarm about the absolute freedom of expression allowed on the radio which in turn has become almost hate talk and open racism.
From the Paper "In her essay "Hate Radio," Patricia J. Williams comments on the growing trend of "anything goes" talk radio, led by radio personalities who seem determined to anger as many people as possible, and who cater to an audience of people empowered to say almost anything, no matter how prejudiced or ill-informed about other groups of people."
Abstract In this essay,the writer examines the following movies: "Roots", "Glory" and "Amistad". The paper provides a succinct plot summary of each movie and then briefly discusses the similarities and differences in each movie. The impact of these movies on larger American society is also discussed. The writer then attempts to describe his personal, potential reactions to the situations that occur in each movie. The paper then discusses Hollywood's treatment of serious issues such as slavery and violence and discusses how Hollywood's actions influence both children and adults.
From the Paper "Roots, is an epic, made-for-television mini series that chronicles generations of black Americans in slavery. First on the air in 1977, Roots traced the history of one family from their African origin, through slavery, and finally to emancipation.
"Glory is a war movie about the first all-black company (the 54th regiment) to fight in the United States Civil War. The company, and their white leader confront the prejudices of the Confederates and the Union army. The movie climaxes showing the fighting at Fort Wagner, where the regiment proves there was nothing inferior about a black regiment.
"Amistad, directed by Stephen Spielberg, chronicles the 1839 mutiny on the slave ship Amistad, where slaves were held under barbaric and inhumane conditions. The movie follows the subsequent trial in America."
Abstract This paper focuses on the different economic levels which were clear between the North and the South in the years before the Civil War. The writer examines the financial advantages which came with the use of slaves but how this hamper industrialization and economic growth which was rampant in the North.
From the Paper "As Americans we want to believe that our country was conceived in liberty, however, reality is that from almost the beginning America was greatly dependent on forced labor. By the early eighteenth century slavery was legal throughout America and was the primary source of labor in the South. Many of our nation's founding fathers were slaveholders. Thomas Jefferson, who wrote the Declaration of Independence, and Patrick Henry, who is famous for saying, ?Give me liberty or give me death!? were slave owners. Slavery was such a vital force eight of our first twelve presidents even owned slaves. "
This paper addresses the complex and important issues of stratification and inequity that are presented throughout Malcolm's "The Autobiography of Malcolm X."
Abstract This paper gives a brief but succinct summary of the major events of Malcolm's life, as outlined in his autobiography. It then delves into the reasons underlying the racism and inequality of the United States in Malcolm's time. A brief history of slavery and the African-American experience explains the social conditions for African-Americans in the mid-1900s, in America. The paper also examines the reasons for Malcolm's behavior in the social context of the 1940s to the 1960s in the United States. It describes if Malcolm's conditions and treatment are similar to those experienced by other African-Americans, in the United States, during the same time frame. It provides a thorough sociological analysis of Malcolm's behavior, in terms of the social conditions he was exposed to. Further, it describes Malcolm's behavior in terms of the sociological concepts of both deterrence theory and labelling theory. The paper finally describes the presence of social conditions, in current United States society, that mirror those seen in the 1940s and the 1960s in the United States. It compares these social conditions to the social conditions that were seen in Malcolm's "Autobiography of Malcolm X".
From the Paper "Malcolm X was one on the most controversial leaders in American history. His outspokenness about the plight of the African American people, and his close ties with the black Black Muslim movement made Malcolm X a highly feared black leader. He was known for inflammatory speeches, and his strong belief in the Black Muslim sect. Malcolm X sought out publicity, and was well known for his views on vengeance and retribution for the African American people.
"Malcolm X was born on May 19th, 1925, in Omaha Nebraska. Born Malcolm Little, his father was a Baptist minister, and a strong supporter of the Universal Negro Improvement Association, run by Marcus Garvey. This organization encouraged African Americans to run their own businesses, and discouraged dependence on the culture and economy of white America.'"
Abstract This paper shows how the author's mind both reflects the cultural preconceptions of his day regarding race and attempts to challenge these preconceptions. In Melville's writings about a slave rebellion - a fictional dramatization of the Amistad mutiny, the way in which the author perceives race and the issues of slavery are examined.
From the Paper "The way in which Melville's tale unfolds at first seems like an example of realistic storytelling. It unfolds in a highly detailed, matter-of-fact fashion through a third person limited narration, then switches to a first person deposition. This initial technique of third-person narration is initially used create a sense of authorial and factual objectivity. However, quite early in the story, the idea that this omniscient narrator is still limited by notions of race becomes clear. ?Negresses, of whom there were not a few, exceeded the others in their dolorous vehemence,? observes the narrator. The reference to "Negresses" suggests women defined primarily by their race, and confirms the common cultural preconception of black women as vehement in a fashion that neither white women nor white men are."
Abstract The life and times of Angelou are described in her book "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings." It describes her very difficult childhood and youth where she was abused physically and mentally, lived as a homeless person and was a teenage mother. It also describes how she finally found her niche and became a successful writer and poet for black civil rights causes.
From the Paper "In her autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, she chronicles her early life, a life full of events that would have broken many people. After her parents divorced, she was sent away from her home in California, at the age of three, with only her four-year-old brother for companionship. They had to travel by themselves to Stamps, Arkansas, to live with their grandmother. She was variously shipped off to her mother (in two separate locations), her father and other relatives. One of her mother's friends repeatedly molested and then raped her by the age of eight, in an attack severe enough to put her in the hospital. After he was tried and found guilty but given a very light sentence, he was found brutally beaten to death. This caused Maya to remain largely mute for some years after."
Abstract Toni Morrison's first novel ,"The Bluest Eye" ,which was published in 1970, was the first link in a long chain of novels all focusing on pressing issues of white dominance and its impact of psyche of black people in the United States. The paper shows that although racial hatred and discrimination are as not as intense now as they must have been in writer's childhood, still the story has been developed and told in such a manner that it arouses sympathy for the black child.
From the Paper "Toni Morrison, the 1993 Nobel Laureate, has always been a champion of African American rights and like some other famous black writers in the field of literature; she too based her writings on personal experiences and observations. In most of her novels, the writer has tried to highlight the plight of black Americans in the days of her childhood when racial segregation and discrimination were intense and devastating. In "The Bluest eye", which was her first novel, the writer has addressed many important issues, some of which are still valid today. Apart from racial discrimination and hatred, the writer has delved deeper into other subjects too including meaning of beauty and the role of black community in its inferior status."
Abstract An analysis of the strategies projected before the decade of Civil War through Declaration of Independence for the abolition of slaves and outlining which point of view is more valid. The Confiscation Act of 1862 is examined for its effectiveness and the Emancipation Proclamation is also studied. These two acts are compared with each other.
From the Paper "After the American Revolution, free and enslaved African American was not able to have what they called equality. They still faced a lot of hardship and discrimination. A number of white Americans, for a variety of reasons, joined them in their efforts to resolve this complex problem. One possible solution for gaining equality was that the white and the Black Americans should be separated completely. Yet, the Constitution would then have to be amended."
Tags: slavery, abolition, black, negro, civil, war, emancipation, africa, colonization
Abstract This paper is about the Nat Turner's slave rebellion, known as the only successful such revolution. It deals extensively with William Styron's novel, "Confessions of Nat Turner," comparing it to the primary source written by Thomas Gray, of the same name. It also discusses numerous newspaper accounts of the event, analyzing the evolving story, and the different biases in reporting. The paper examines critiques of Styron's novel, "Ten Black Writers respond...", and Styron's defenses. Finally, the paper compares Turner's role as a villain to that of modern-day "villains."
From the Paper "The Merriam Webster Collegiate Dictionary defines the word "history "as "a branch of knowledge that records and explains past events ." It is often in this explanation that historians will differ. When all presented with similar primary sources, each must chose their own way to understand and explain the unrecorded reasons behind certain actions. Occasionally these explanations will be based on one's own biases or agendas. Often primary sources themselves, though externally objective, may attempt to influence their readers toward a specific point of view. Similar disputes frequently recur over time, when similar historical situations occur. How one understands Nat Turner and his role in the Southampton slave revolt occurring in 1831, given its connections to such sensitive topics as race and religion, may largely be based on such predispositions. Additionally, cases like that of Turner seem to take place during each generation, leading to similar recurring disputes."
Abstract This argumentative paper deals with the issues surrounding today's struggle to get into colleges and how race is involved in this process.
Table of Contents
Introduction of Affirmative Action and how it relates to today and the college application process.
History and evolution of Affirmative Action
Causes for Affirmative Action
Pros of Affirmative Action
Cons of Affirmative Action
Theories of how to maintain diversity while eliminating Affirmative Action
Resolutions
From the Paper "Year after year as high school seniors apply to colleges they are turned away from their school of choice and are forced to watch silently as a less qualified person takes their spot. These students are not turned away because of their test scores, or because they do not have good grades. They are not pushed away from their dream college for a lack of community service or extra-curricular activities. Contrary to the usual reasons for not being accepted into colleges, these students are denied the chance of higher education because of what basically comes down to their skin color. One might assume that racial discrimination ended in the 1960's with the Civil Rights Act, but that person would be wrong. Perfectly qualified students are being rejected by college admissions time and time again for students who are less qualified, but are ethnically diverse. Affirmative action is often used on college campuses in order to maintain diversity among the student population, as well as to furnish opportunities of higher education to minorities who would have otherwise been unable to attend college. Yet, many students believe that affirmative action has outlived its intended purpose, and that granting preferences towards anybody for anything other than his or her own academic merit is a form of discrimination in itself, a sort of reverse discrimination. Although some schools are slowly ridding themselves of this practice, affirmative action still exists throughout the college world. Should this trend of "dissolving" affirmative action continue, or do minorities still need the help getting into post-secondary institutions that affirmative action provides? Or, is there some sort of middle ground that can be reached?"
Tags: admissions, african, american, college, discrimination, university
Abstract This paper examines the life of Maya Angelou - a writer and advocate of racial equality. It looks at her life and upbringing and sees how these effected her choice of career and life style. The paper analyzes some of her writings and examines some of her leaderships characteristics and for their effectiveness.
From the Paper "Hailed as one of the greatest voices of contemporary literature and film, Maya Angelou's accomplishments extend beyond the arts to include a lifetime of leadership and social activism. Born during the Great Depression as Marguerite Johnson, Maya's coast to coast life experiences include everything from the simple, backwards town of Stamps, Arkansas to the high-energy city life of San Francisco to international travel as a renowned and respected human rights advocate."
An analysis of John Howard Griffin's "Black Like Me", using several examples taken directly from the text to support the paper and the ideas placed forth in the paper.
Abstract This paper explores the journey of John Howard Griffin, a white man disguised as a Negro, as he traveled through the South. The paper examines the Negro's role in America, details the concept of racism and the progression of the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s.
From the Paper "A second comforting display in the novel was the compassion and help Griffin received from strangers throughout the novel. Sterling Williams, his gateway to the black world, had hardly known him when he accepted him as a friend into his shoeshine stand. Griffin received shelter from a network of people through a stranger on a bus, stayed several nights in the home of a poor black man who was happy to share with him, and slept one night at a the house of a black man whom he had met on the highway. In the small restaurants Griffin ate at, there was always a level of respect and understanding between the waitresses and himself. On the buses the blacks were very friendly toward each other, as though they had known each other forever and were the best of friends. The blacks also seemed to feel compassion for one another - whether another black triumphed in a situation involving whites or faltered, they felt the emotions and bound together in the situation."
